Every Filipino who lives abroad could have his own tale of witnessing fellow Pinoys squabbling or must have heard about in-fighting in local organizations. Factionalism, they sometime call it, where some groups unhappy and discontented decide to break away from their own organizations and form their own group or faction.
Well, that certainly is not a good act to follow, or worse not a good example to the young ones who are next-in-line for leadership or community service, or even for those who are merely closely observing by or looking for a role-model.
Exactly, the opposite, Sanib-Saya proves that there is strength in unity among at least eight (8) groups that share the same values and common desires to serve or bring happiness to their respective communities.
Undeniably, eight groups coming together is eight times the fun.
Thus, last Dec. 14, eight (8) hardworking organizations in the GTA gathered together their time, effort, and resources to bring cheers to children and seniors. Children and seniors are two of the most vulnerable sectors in the community where need for support and gesture of love are most welcomed.
These groups were: Filipino Achievers Canada, Philippine Chamber of Commerce, Filipino Center Toronto, Filcore, Dabawenyo, BisMinDak, Our Lady of Assumption, and Burgos Ilocos Sur Canada.
Filipino Achievers Canada is a three-year old organization that has sustained its non-profit endeavours through civic and charitable projects. While Fil-Core support group is a non-profit organization with a mission and vision to support and empower caregivers and was founded on February 24, 2014. Philippine Chamber of Commerce Toronto, founded in 1991, is an association of Filipino-Canadian Entrepreneurs living in Greater Toronto Area and neighbouring cities. Dabawenyo of Ontario (DAO) is a social club started by a few Dabawenyos. They welcome anyone who has any association with Davao. BisMinDak or Bisaya Mindanawong Daku is also a social club mostly supported by people from Mindanao.
Initiated by Ms. Corie Laraya Coutts and her team (Nita Rejdik, Jackie Cristini, Judith Gonzales, Mann Nacario, Primo Pagao, Jeanette Rosales, Frederick Reyes, Arnel Lopez and Pepito Toralba), Sanib-Saya was held at the Filipino Center in Toronto.
It should be noted that this Filipino Center used to be situated in a refurbished property Parliament St. beginning 2002 but is now located in 4395 Sheppard East, Scarborough at more sprawling and comfortable quarters. The Center was born from the vision of Dr. Guillermo de Villa, Jr. His vision came to fruition many years later with the help of the Philippine Consulate and like-minded Filipino civic leaders and citizens.
Today, it describes itself as “a community centre to help Filipinos preserve their identity and individuality while at the same time making their presence felt in their new country.”
All these eight organizations, put up and run by passionate Pinoy movers in the community, showcased their oneness of spirit and purpose on the night of fun and surprises for everyone last Dec. 14. Other organizations entities who showed their approval and lent their presence to the event were: FCT, Daughters of Isabela, Pinoy Radio, Filipino-Canadian Association of Vaughan, SIPAT, UPAA, Kapuso Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, JDL Entertainment, PCOO, Franciscan Sisters, JRS, and Silayan.
Other indefatigable Fil-Can personalities sighted at the event were: Ms. Michelle Serrano of PCCT, Joey Abrenilla, Mary Ann San Juan, Julius and Bunny Tiongson, Rose Tijam, Silayan president Ben Ferrer and his wife Cristina, and a host of others who were there to show their support for such unifying activity as this one.
Sanib-Saya is one great act to follow.